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President Vizcarra: More than half a million Peruvians defeated COVID-19

Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra addresses media outlets from the Government Palace in Lima. Photo: ANDINA/Presidency of the Republic

14:00 | Lima, Sep. 9.

The President of the Republic Martin Vizcarra on Wednesday highlighted the fact that more than half a million Peruvians defeated the novel coronavirus and are now fully recovered.

According to the Head of State, this figure means that more than 75% of infected people in the country have overcome COVID-19.

"More than half a million Peruvians have recovered from the novel coronavirus (...). Currently, out of every four people —who have had the virus in their bodies— three have recovered. It means that at least 75% of the infected people beat the disease," he expressed.

The top official pointed out that such figures are encouraging, but they are not triumphalist. For this reason, he affirmed that his administration will not lower its guard.

Likewise, the statesman stressed that the decrease in infections and deaths is due to the efforts made by authorities and the population.

In this sense, the President reaffirmed the Executive Branch's commitment to making every effort aimed at overcoming this hard situation, adding that hospital response capacity in the country has been increased.

The Peruvian leader recalled that the situation was very precarious at the beginning of the pandemic last March, as the country merely relied on 100 ICU beds. Currently, there are 1,700 ICU beds and the goal is to reach 2,000.

"We are making the maximum efforts, because the main restriction for ICU beds is not the equipment, but the specialists, the human resources," he indicated.

Furthermore, Mr. Vizcarra recalled that there were 3,000 hospital beds last March and highlighted that they have been increased to around 20,000.

He also mentioned that 30 laboratories currently carry out molecular tests in Peruvian regions —a higher number if compared to the merely one available at the beginning of the pandemic.

Remarks were made during a press conference held at the Government Palace in Lima.

The President was joined by Prime Minister Walter Martos and other Cabinet members on the occasion.

Conferencia de prensa del presidente @MartinVizcarraC para informar sobre las acciones que realiza el Gobierno frente al COVID-19. En vivo: https://t.co/t6Cy0efwu5 https://t.co/iyVCaMJT8P
— Presidencia Perú (@presidenciaperu) September 9, 2020

(END) CVC/MVB

Published: 9/9/2020

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President Vizcarra: More than half a million Peruvians defeated COVID-19

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